2025 Mazda 3 vs 2025 Subaru Legacy
Comparison Overview
The most significant objective difference between the 2025 Mazda 3 and the 2025 Subaru Legacy is size, with the Legacy being substantially longer at 191.1 inches compared to the Mazda 3's 183.5 inches, translating directly to superior practicality. The Mazda 3 counters this with a modest power advantage, producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque versus the Legacy's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft. Fuel efficiency remains comparable, with the Mazda 3 slightly leading at 31 MPG combined versus the Legacy's 30 MPG combined, despite the Legacy featuring standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD). From a cost perspective, the Mazda 3 commands a lower starting MSRP of $24,150, offering a $2,660 saving over the Legacy's $26,810 entry price. Furthermore, the Legacy offers a larger 15.1 cu ft cargo area compared to the Mazda 3's 13.2 cu ft, which is a crucial metric for family use cases.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 offers slightly better combined fuel economy at 31 MPG and a lower purchase price, making it more economical for daily driving.
2025 Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy provides significantly more utility with 15.1 cu ft of cargo capacity and standard All-Wheel Drive for varied weather conditions.
2025 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 delivers higher peak output with 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque compared to the Legacy's 182 hp and 176 lb-ft.
2025 Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 undercuts the Subaru Legacy on MSRP by $2,660 while offering marginally superior fuel efficiency.
Choose the Mazda 3 if...
- Budget constraints prioritize a lower initial investment, as the Mazda 3 starts at $24,150.
- Maximum highway efficiency is desired, achieving 37 MPG highway versus the Legacy's 35 MPG.
- A more engaging power delivery is preferred, as the Mazda 3 produces 191 horsepower versus the Legacy's 182.
Choose the Subaru Legacy if...
- All-Wheel Drive is mandatory for regional climate needs, as it is standard on the Legacy.
- Maximum usable storage space is required, evidenced by the Legacy's 15.1 cu ft cargo area.
- A physically larger vehicle footprint is desired, given the Legacy's 191.1-inch length compared to 183.5 inches for the Mazda 3.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda 3 | Subaru Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 183.5" | 191.1" |
| Width | 70.7" | 72.4" |
| Height | 56.9" | 59.1" |
| Wheelbase | 107.3" | 108.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6000 rpm | 182 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm | 176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 27/37 MPG | 27/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 30 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 356.4/488.4 mi. | 499.5/647.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 13.2 gal. | 18.5 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.8 in | 7.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 38.0 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.3 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 55.7 in. | 58.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.6 in. | 55.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.3 in. | 37.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.1 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 53.5 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 50.9 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 16 x 6.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 205/60R16 | 225/55R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Mazda | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda 3 and 2025 Subaru Legacy.
What is the primary drivetrain difference between the 2025 Mazda 3 and the 2025 Subaru Legacy?
The 2025 Mazda 3 utilizes a standard Front Wheel Drive (FWD) configuration paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Conversely, the 2025 Subaru Legacy comes standard with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
How do the engine outputs compare numerically?
The Mazda 3 engine is more potent, generating 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru Legacy produces slightly less power, rated at 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Which sedan offers better fuel economy?
The Mazda 3 is marginally more efficient, achieving 31 MPG combined (27 City/37 Highway). The Subaru Legacy trails slightly at 30 MPG combined (27 City/35 Highway), likely due to the standard AWD system.
Is the cargo space significantly different between these two sedans?
Yes, the Subaru Legacy provides a 15.1 cubic foot cargo capacity, which is noticeably greater than the Mazda 3's 13.2 cubic feet. This difference amounts to nearly 2.0 cubic feet in favor of the Legacy.
What is the difference in starting price (MSRP)?
The 2025 Mazda 3 has a lower entry MSRP of $24,150. The 2025 Subaru Legacy begins at $26,810, presenting a $2,660 price difference favoring the Mazda.
Do either of these models require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Mazda 3 and the 2025 Subaru Legacy are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, minimizing long-term running costs for both vehicles.
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